Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi has moved to enforce stringent land-use policies aimed at tackling the rapid conversion of prime agricultural land into commercial and residential developments.
The Governor’s administration is focusing on striking a balance between protecting the county’s crucial agricultural sector and accommodating its role as a major residential hub for Nairobi.
Governor Wamatangi highlighted that while Kiambu has experienced “remarkable growth” and provides housing for thousands who work in the capital, this expansion has come at a cost. “Chief among them is the unsustainable conversion of fertile agricultural land,” he stated, noting that this practice, combined with environmental degradation, poses a “real threat to the very foundation of our County.”
Agriculture is central to Kiambu’s economy. The county is a key producer of high-value cash crops, including coffee and tea, and is a leading player in the dairy and horticulture sectors, contributing significantly to both household incomes and the national GDP.
The new policies seek to manage the co-existence of these two competing interests—food security and development. The Governor noted that the economic opportunities created by the construction and real estate sectors, which have earned Kiambu the moniker “the bedroom of Nairobi,” are appreciated. However, he insisted on the need to “strike a careful balance” to ensure the long-term livelihood of the populace.
To achieve this control, the Integrated Strategic Urban Development Plans (ISUDP) have been passed by the County Assembly. The ISUDP establishes clear guidelines for zoning and the careful management and control of land use across the county.
The Governor’s firm stance on controlling land use and building development has reportedly put him “on a collision course with developers seeking to pursue haphazard projects.” The commitment to these policies has also drawn external recognition, leading to Governor Wamatangi’s nomination for an award related to his land use and building development control policies.
